The New Imperialism Picture shows Garnet Wolseley, the first British administrator of the island, “courting Cyprus”

‘New Imperialism’ & ‘Old Colonialism’ (1) In 3 rd quarter of C19th European states were largely preoccupied with internal developments, but in last quarter there was a v. rapid scramble for control of new colonies concentrated on Asia & Africa (both of which, till then, had remained largely free of direct European control). This new colonial race, often referred to as ‘New Imperialism’, created rivalry & a tense negative atmosphere among the European powers in lead-up to World War I. European power in this period was based on C19 th progress in scientific, technological, industrial, agricultural, transportation, communications & armaments fields, & on its ability to maximize power through establishment of nation-states.

‘New Imperialism’ & ‘Old Colonialism’ (2) Imperialism can be defined as: “a policy of expanding a nation’s power by seeking a form of hegemony over an alien power.”

‘New Imperialism’ & ‘Old Colonialism’ (3) Compared to colonialism of old, the ‘New Imperialism’ was on a much larger scale & tended to be accompanied much greater direct European investment, (thereby having a much greater impact on traditional economic structures), & often, (though not always), much tighter political control over territories.

‘New Imperialism’ & ‘Old Colonialism’ (4) Different ideas about what caused this wave of ‘New Imperialism’: Economic pressures (e.g. Hobson & Lenin) To spread culture & religion to the ‘backward’ areas Domestic social factors Outlet for surplus population Strategic & Political Factors

Imperial Expansion in Africa to 1880

Partition of Africa, 1880–1914

Imperial Expansion in Asia to 1880

Asia, 1880–1914

The System of Rival Alliances Together with race for colonies, other major characteristic of European politics in lead-up to World War I was development of rival alliances. They were often established as result of defensive motivations, (based on mutual fear), but their v. existence contributed to distrust & tension. System of alliances that dominated Europe was to impt. extent founded on underlying fear & distrust between France & Germany. Yet, it was ultimately much responsible for allowing what might have remained a relatively small, local crisis in Bosnian capital Sarajevo to escalate into a general war. Each power had become committed to support its allies. As more states began to see war as inevitable, efforts increased to build-up arms in effort to enhance security. But, the arms race that resulted, by raising fears, distrust & tension, contributed to making war more likely.

The Three Emperors’ League After uniting Germany Bismarck initially aimed to maintain peace & allow the German state to develop stable foundations. He tried to develop alliances that would help safeguard Germany. In 1873 & again in 1881 he helped establish ‘Three Emperors’ League’, [Germany, Austria, Russia]. Members promised to remain at least neutral if other members were attacked by a 4 th power. Both times, however, the Leagues collapsed as a consequence of rivalries in Balkans between Russia & Austria. Germany Austria- Hungary Russia

Dual & Triple Alliances 1879 Bismarck also formed secret military alliance with Austria-Hungary (The ‘Dual Alliance’), to which Italy was also added in 1882, (making it the ‘Triple Alliance’). If any member was attacked by Russia the others would militarily assist, & would at least remain neutral if attacked by other states. (Later other states also joined, e.g. Rumania in 1883). Germany Austria- Hungary GermanyItaly

The Reinsurance Treaty (1) 1887 Bismarck signed another secret treaty.. this time with Russia. Known as the ‘Reinsurance Treaty’, it consisted of a Russian promise not to support France if she went to war against Germany, (& more generally that each state would remain at least neutral if the other were attacked by a third party), & a German promise, in return, to support Russian interests in the Balkans.

The Reinsurance Treaty (2) Bismarck’s ability to stay allied with both Austria- Hungary & Russia at same time (while these 2 states were rivals in the Balkans) was a sign of his diplomatic skill. GERMANY ITALY AUSTRIA-HUNGARYRUSSIA Triple Alliance Reinsurance Treaty

William II & the fall of Bismarck In 1888, however, a new emperor came to the throne in Germany... William II, unhappy with Bismarck completely dominating German foreign policy, supported a more aggressive stance against Russia & more assertive foreign policy generally. In 1890 he basically forced Bismarck to resign & retire. Bismarck’s intricate web of alliances was thereafter not as carefully maintained & Reinsurance Treaty was not renewed. Wilhelm II (Where is his left arm?Why?)

“Dropping the Pilot” This cartoon, published in British magazine ‘Punch’ in 1890, shows Bismarck (who had been the “pilot” directing Germany for so long, being dropped off the big / great German ship on to a small boat by the new Kaiser William II who watches from above.

France & the Foundations of the Triple Entente (1) France knew that there had been an alliance formed between Germany, Austria-Hungary & Italy, but was not aware of the details of their agreements, (esp. of the fact that they were essentially defensive clauses). This made her ever-more distrustful of the new, powerful German state, & esp. concerned about being left alone to fight against the Germans as had been the case in the war of 1870.

France & the Foundations of the Triple Entente (2) Faced with Triple Alliance, France took opportunity of collapse of Reinsurance Treaty to get her own alliance with Russia with whom she had not traditionally had good relations. With incr. cooperation between Germany & Austria-Hungary (with whom Russians had particularly strained relations in Balkans) & with added sweetener of the promise of French loans & capital investment, Russia was also willing now to form an alliance with France. In 1893 the 2 states formed basis of what was to become the Triple Entente, promising mutual military support if either was attacked by Germany.

Britain & the Triple Entente (1) Britain had for some time followed an isolationist policy & avoided joining alliances. Further, Britain had also had poor relations with Russia & France with whom its interests had tended to conflict British & German royal families were related Some in Britain even suggested forming an alliance with Germany Yet Britain eventually joined Triple Entente. Why?

Britain & the Triple Entente (2) German insensitivity to Britain’s colonial interests – e.g. “Krüger Telegram” congratulating forces opposing British in S. Africa for their success in battle. Germany becoming an increasingly threatening industrial & commercial rival to Britain Germany began to threaten Britain’s traditional naval dominance All of the above contributed to British decision to abandon its isolationist stance & join the Triple Entente. In 1904 Britain reached agreement with France & in 1907 with Russia.

Rival Alliances The Triple Entente The Triple Alliance (Central Powers) Britain FranceRussia Italy * Germany Austria-Hungary vs. By 1907 the great European Powers had been divided into 2 main rival blocs. * While these alliances principally joined for defensive purposes in effort to enhance national security, Italian motivations were somewhat exceptional & related to goal of creating an ‘Italia Irridenta’ from territories won in the upcomming war. Italy, in fact, eventually abandoned Triple Alliance & in 1915 joined Triple Entente upon promise of territorial gains at war’s end.